Summary: You and Din begin to get a little closer. During a trip downtown, you bump into some people you really don't want to deal with...
Warnings: Swearing, angst, fluff.
Chapter Five Close Encounters
"So these things only run on the ground?" Mando asks, keeping his gaze straight ahead as the four of you drive down the dirt road from your house. Gene had insisted on sitting in the back with Grogu, stating it's good manners to let the guest sit up front, but he's not fooling anyone. He just wants to make a fuss over Grogu, which you can't blame him for. "Unfortunately..." you sigh, teasingly. "It would be far quicker if we could fly. Maybe one day we'll all catch up with you. Until then..." You turn your head and smile at Mando. The sight is quite comical, really. Here you have a man who looks like he could go all terminator on this world, yet he's stuffed into the passenger seat of your Grampa's Ford pick up. It isn't a small truck by any means but with Mando's armour, chunky helmet and broad frame he looks more like a toddler in a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. You have to bite the inside of your cheek to keep from smirking.
"It's a... little bumpy," he says, holding onto the door handle as the road jostles you all around. "It's just the back roads," you tell him. "The main roads are a lot smoother." Grogu babbles in the back seat while Gene entertains him. It doesn't take long to join the main road into town and the closer you get the more nervous you become. In a small town like this, people love to gossip; you know that all too well. And even though Mando doesn't seem bothered about drawing attention, you aren't blessed with that kind of confidence. After several more minutes you pull into a public car park and kill the engine. Mando turns in his seat to Grogu. "Alright you little womp rat... you know what to do." "Patu," Grogu replies, lifting his arms. Gene un-buckles him and passes him over. Mando places Grogu inside his satchel. "Remember, no noise and no peeking."
Grogu nods and Mando closes the flap. He turns to open the car door but you stop him with a hand on his upper arm. "Um, you might wanna leave your weapons here." You nod at the pistol at his hip and what look like cartridges on a strap crossing his body and grenades along his belt. He visibly stiffens. "Weapons are a part of my religion." "I get it but if you walk around like that, someone is going to call the police." You level him with a serious look. "That's the last thing you want. You can hide them under the seat until we get back." Mando sighs and begins unloading his weapons and stashing them under his seat, starting with his pistol, then the cartridges and grenades. He reaches down into his boot and pulls out a knife, adding it to stash. He looks at you and gives you a quick nod before exiting the truck. You and Gene exit too. "So, this is downtown Eurika Springs," you smile, coming around the front of the truck.
Din takes in his surroundings and, again, he's struck by the completely foreign way of life. The street is narrow and curved, lined with a mish mash of different sized buildings stretching along both sides of the road as far as he can see. Other roads lead off the main one. The styles of the buildings vary greatly: Some humble looking one story units with thick awnings flapping in the breeze, multi-story red brick structures with cast iron balconies crafted with intricate patterns and multi-story grey and white buildings with similar balconies, long, narrow windows and ornate cornices running along the exterior roofline. Signs hang from the many store fronts: Cafe's, tattoo parlours, clothes shops, shoe shops, hairdressers, bookshops, amusements, souvineers, bars and grills... He's never seen so many different businesses in one small place. Flags of red and white stripes with a blue square and white stars billow from many of the shops.
Cars coast by, honking and rumbling. Pedestrians go about their business, some with the strangest looking four legged and furry beasts trotting alongside them on leashes. Din swallows thickly. He's definitely not on Nevarro any more... or any of the worlds he knows. This is going to be a huge adjustment! "Not quite what you're used to, huh?" Your voice beside Din snaps him from his thoughts. "Uh, no..." he hesitates, taking another glance around. "No, it's not." "What's the downtown area like where you're from?" you ask, intrigued by Mando's reaction to this modest town center. Mando's helmet tilts down, his attention now fully on you. "We have shops, and a lot of open air vendors, musicians busking on street corners, too. The main shopping street can get quite chaotic." Gene comes to stand next to you, his interest piqued. "What sort of goods can you buy there?" he asks. "Clothing, household necessities, local food, vehicle parts," Mando lists off.
"I imagine it's not much different to here," Gene nods thoughtfully, then chuckles, "It's crazy... Our worlds are galaxies apart, yet we have so many similarities." "Let's hope mechanical parts are one of them," you smile at Gene. The three of you make your way down the street, Mando's helmet slowly turning in all directions and his hand resting protectively over the satchel. People pass by and it's just as you expected. Endless stares are thrown your way, even people on the other side of the road are gawping, some stopping completely before walking on, but with their heads still turned. The people approaching you all give Mando a wide berth, a few muttering amongst themselves. You feel like an animal at the zoo. Mando on the other hand seems to not notice... or maybe he just doesn't care. His strides remain confident and you have to wonder how often he gets treated like this to become so desensitized to it.
Once at the hardware store, you get the same reaction from those inside. "Do you have the list?" Gene asks Mando. Mando reaches into a side pocket on his satchel and hands it over. The old man purses his lips while reading it. "This seems straight forward; shouldn't take us long," he mutters. "While you're doing that, I'm gonna nip to the supermarket across the street, pick up a few things," you tell the men. "We'll meet you outside there when we're done," Gene responds. Before you can walk away, Mando's hand gently catches your elbow, the warmth -even through his glove- making your skin tingle. "Be safe," he murmurs. An odd flutter tickles your belly and you smile into the blackness of his visor. God, how you wish you could see his eyes. "Of course," comes your reply.
Walking away, you're acutely aware of Mando's eyes on you, the weight of his gaze burrowing under your skin. It makes you... nervous? excited? You fight the urge to look back. Get a fucking grip! you berate yourself as you step out into the sunny street. He's just being considerate and here you are getting all flustered. Pathetic. As if someone like him would ever be interested in a small town girl like you. You're literally from different worlds. You try your best to make that sink in as you stroll down the sidewalk. A few acquaintances greet you as you pass each other. You're so caught up in your own thoughts that you almost pass the store altogether. What the hell is wrong with me? you wonder, turning back to the entrance. The automatic doors open with a whoosh and you enter, the cool blast from the air con a welcome relief from the building heat outdoors.
Yes, that's what has your cheeks flushed; the heat... Not a tall, broad, armoured man with a voice smoother than silk. You grab one of the wheely baskets and start to peruse the aisles. Hmmm... What would a child like to eat? you think to yourself. It's not something you've ever had to consider before. He'd certainly enjoyed those pears, so you make sure to grab a bunch. You also add some bananas to the basket because what kid doesn't like bananas? You pick up a number of ingredients for some home cooked meals; potatoes and other root vegetables, pork chops, minced beef, pasta. You add an extra loaf of bread and ham slices. Last is the snack aisle. It's been a while since you've bought sweets and you can't resist the thought of spoiling Grogu with a bag of jelly beans and a packet of chocolate buttons. You then turn to the opposite shelves for your favourite crisps: Doritos.
When you spot them, a sigh escapes you. Of course they'd be on the top shelf where you can't reach. Griping onto the edge of a shelf level with you, you step up onto the bottom one and stretch up, your fingertips just brushing the corner of the packet. Frustratingly, it remains just out of reach. That is until a silver and black arm appears from behind you and pulls forward the packet you were reaching for. "Holy Crap!" you gasp as you tilt backwards into a hard, cool chest. Righting yourself, you spin around are met with Mando's shiny helmet. "You scared the shit out of me," you chuckle, hand on your chest, your heart thumping into your palm. A deep rumble comes from Mando's chest, an amused "Sorry" offered as he holds out the bag for you. You take the bag and drop it in your basket. "You're too good at sneaking up on people." "That's my job," Mando replies with a hint of smugness. You huff a laugh, rolling your eyes. "I think deep down, you enjoyed that."
Mando shrugs. "Maybe a little." Ah, so he does have a sense of humour, you muse and hope you'll see a lot more of it. "Wait, where's Gene?" You glance around the aisle. "He went to, um... I think he called it the post office?" Mando answers, unsure. "What's all this...?" he then points to your basket. "Oh, just a few things for some meals I'd like to make, and some snacks for the baby. A muffled 'Ahhh...' comes from the satchel, followed by a wriggle. Mando presses his hand to the squirming lump. "Hey..." he whispers. "Calm down, pal. You'll draw attention." Grogu settles with a grunt. "He heard you talking about food for him," Mando tells you and you laugh, not missing the lilt in his voice, a mix of humour and exasperation. "You know you don't have to do all this, Rae," Mando says, glancing at the basket. "As soon as electricity is restored to the Crest, we'll get out from under your nose."
Disappointment stabs at your gut at the thought of them leaving. Last night had been the best night you'd had in goodness knows how long. Too many nights, you've felt nothing but crippling loneliness weighing you down and it was beyond refreshing to have company for once. You really don't want it to end. But you just smile through the unease and instead point out the lack of facilities on the Crest. "I didn't see a kitchen or food prep area on your ship. How do you eat?" you ask. "I have a supply of ration packs on board," Mando answers and your jaw drops. "That's it?!" You purse your lips and shake your head. "No, that won't do. You need proper nutrition... both of you," you insist. "Rae-" "No..." you cut him off with a raised palm. "If I have to bring food all the way to your ship, you'll both eat home cooked meals."
Mando's helmet tilts to the side, his thumb hooked into his belt and one knee jutting out. He's a proud man; you've learned that much about him pretty fast and proud people always struggle to accept generosity for themselves, so the only thing left to do is tug on his heart strings. It may be a bit sneaky of you but, damn his stubbornness! "Grogu will benefit from them; he's a growing boy after all." You finish with a look that says 'You know I'm right'. That works like a charm because seconds later, Mando agrees. You're about to give him a triumphant smile when movement further down the aisle catches your eye. The store's grey haired security guard- who should be long retired by now- pokes his upper body from around the end of the shelves, a wary look on his face. "It's okay, Pete," you call out with a wave, "He's with me." Mando's head follows your gaze, giving the old man a nod.
Pete stands up straight, coming into full view. "You sure you're okay, Rae?" he frowns. "Absolutely." You give him a smile. For a moment he looks uncertain, then he smiles and moves on. "A friend of Gene's," you offer as explanation, even though Mando didn't ask. "I'm finished here. Let's go pay." Mando falls into step with you as you head for the tills. The people in the aisles give you a mix of quizzical and surprised looks as they pass and you can't surpress the laughter when a little boy- probably no older than four- points and yells, "Mommy look, a knight!" You're not sure if you imagined it, but you can swear you heard a low chuckle coming from Mando. After paying for your shopping- which was no less awkward, with the not so subtle staring from the cashier- you reach out to take the bags but Mando beats you to it, snatching them up before your fingers can brush them.
"I can carry some of them," you protest. "I've got it," is all Mando says and strides towards the exit. You return your basket to the holder and follow him through the automatic doors and out into the street. "Seriously, Mando, they're heavy. I can take-" "Rae...?" comes a hesitant voice that makes you freeze on the spot, your stomach twisting. Turning around, you see the last two people you want to share space with ever again. Amber smiles cautiously, her hand in Cole's. "Hi, how are you?" she asks. "I'm fine," you reply in a flat tone, looking between her and Cole, who's frown says he'd rather be anywhere but here. You and me both, asshole. "Good," she says, then turns her gaze to Mando, her eyebrows shooting up. "Um- Hi," she stutters, her eyes trailing over the armoured man beside you. "Are you a friend of Rae's?"
Mando puts the bags on the ground. "I am," he answers and you don't know why but that confirmation causes a warmth to spread through your chest before you realise you haven't introduced him. "Oh, sorry..." You turn to Mando and clear your throat. "This is Mando. Mando, this is Amber and Cole." "Nice to meet you," Mando greets them. "You too," Amber smiles awkwardly. "Mando huh...?" Cole takes off his sunglasses, making a show of giving Mando a once over, the jeer in his voice unmistakable. "...Oookay." Beside you, Mando is motionless save for the slow dip and rise of his helmet. Pulling her hand from Cole's, Amber elbows him in the ribs. "What?" he smirks. Amber rolls her eyes, sighing as she returns her attention to you. "I've been trying to get hold of you for a while," she begins but you cut her off. "I haven't got your number any more." In other words, I've blocked you.
Amber's expression falls, her pale blue eyes full of regret. "I thought as much," she laments. "Listen, Rae... Could we talk?" "I don't think so," you reply quickly, wanting this interaction to end already. "Please? Even if it's just for five minutes." She pauses, then in a quiet voice she says, "I miss you." How dare she look so hurt when she- they- caused this rift. "Please, you're my best friend." "I was!" you correct her sharply, anger jolting you at her words. "You threw everything away when I caught you screwing my fiance!" Amber flinches as though you'd physically struck her, her pale cheeks turning red. You don't miss Mando's helmet snapping your way. "I'm sorry," she sighs. "You weren't supposed to find out that way. If you'd just give me five minutes." Her tone is becoming desperate. "Just so I can explain." "There's nothing you can say that can justify what happened." You give them both a scathing look.
"Oh come on, Rae," grumbles Cole, his voice carrying an annoyed edge. "That was months ago. You should be over it by now." The anger simmering under your skin flares up for a moment, like a pocket of steam escaping a fissure. "I wasn't talking to you!" you snap at Cole. God, what did you ever see in him? What does she see in him?! "Funny how it takes a break up to really see a person's true character. Cole's eyes narrow at you. He takes a step forward but then stops, his eyes flickering to Mando. You hadn't realised he'd moved closer to your side; hadn't noticed his reassuring hand at the small of your back until this second. "I think you're done here." Mando's voice is final, low and dangerous. Cole sneers and stands taller. If he's trying to look intimidating, he's failing hilariously. Even at his forced height he's a few inches shorter than Mando and much more slender. A Jack Russle squaring up to a Pitbull.
A moment's silence passes between the two men, then Cole takes Amber's hand in his. "Let's go babe. I told you not to bother." They both slink off down the street. Din watches them go, engaging the advanced hearing in his helmet. Cole's arrogant voice carries clearly. "Don't let her get to you, baby. If she was a real friend, she'd hear you out. That bitch isn't worth it." Din's fists clench at his sides, his mind conjuring the mental and satisfying image of unleashing his whipcord around that mud scuffer's neck and dragging his pathetic ass back here so he can apologise for disrespecting you. If he were on any other world- one where he didn't have to keep a low profile- he wouldn't hesitate. Instead all he can do is offer comfort- meager though it is. "Rae, are you alright?" he soothes, stroking your elbow. Whatever thoughts you were lost in slip away as DIn watches a forced smile take over your face. "I'm okay." Your dismissive tone belies the truth in your eyes and Din can see it plainly.
Your smile falters and you sigh. "I'm sorry you had to see that... and for the way Cole spoke to you." You shake your head. "He's an asshole." Din steps in front of you, head dipping to meet your gaze and without thinking, places his hands on your shoulders. "You don't have to apologise for his actions," he tells you. You smile, eyes falling directly on his through his visor, again, and it makes his stomach swoop. How does she keep doing that? He then realises his hands are still on your shoulders. Releasing you, he takes a step back and instantly hates the distance. "Do you... want to talk about it?" You shake your head, pasting on the same fake smile. "No it's... it's not important." You dig into your shoulder bag, pulling out your phone. "I'm just gonna find out where Gene is."
Din isn't fooled by your act of nonchalance. Under your cool exterior, there's a lot of hurt lurking. It fills him with indignation that anyone could treat you so badly. He may have known you only a few days but he can already tell the type of person you are: Compassionate, warm, selfless. You are... beautiful, inside and out and you deserve better. He can't fathom ever hurting you like that. If you were his- Whoa! What the hell? Din blinks rapidly, shaking his head as if the action could dislodge that thought. He's not thinking clearly. He's lost in a strange galaxy, under a lot of pressure and you're the first person on this world to show him any kindness, so of course he's going to feel some sort of connection with you. But that's all this is and he must keep that in mind.
Thankfully, you'd been too distracted on the phone to notice his momentary disconcertion. Hanging up, you tell him that Gene is still at the post office and you'll both meet him there, but your words barely register. Din's mind is still trying to process what the hell just happened. Then as he sees you about to pick up the bags, he swoops down gathering them all in both hands. "Lead the way," he urges and follows you along the busy street.
You've been quiet for the past few hours; too quiet for Din's liking. While he should be focusing all his attention on repairing the Razor Crest, his eyes keep drifting your way. It's painfully obvious that the smile you're wearing now is for Grogu's sake as you keep him busy by looking under rocks and fallen trunks for bugs, enthusiastically showing him every one you come across. The little bugger tries on multiple occasions to eat them, much to your horror. "No, you can't eat them, sweetie, ewww!" Your laughter cuts across the clearing but even that sounds somewhat subdued to Din's ears. Footsteps shudder on the side ramp as Gene emerges from inside the ship with a water bottle in hand. "Electricity's back on," he informs Din, sitting down at the bottom of the ramp. "Thank you, Gene." Din responds, relief in his voice. That's one less problem. Gene twists the cap and takes a big gulp of water.
"Did something happen with Rae earlier?" questions the old man. Din shuts off his soldering gun, giving Gene his full attention. "What do you mean?" Gene takes another swig of water and gives you a puzzled look. "Something's off with her. Since we left downtown she seems... troubled." Ah, so he's noticed too. "We bumped into her ex fiance and friend outside the supermarket. It uh... it didn't go well." Gene's normally soft features darken as he turns back to Din. "Aw shit," he mutters, rubbing a hand over the side of his face. "What did they say to her?" Din explains the whole interaction, how he'd made Cole back down and you're refusal to talk about it afterwards. Gene releases a long sigh. "That sounds like Rae. She tends to shut down when things become too much." Din's heart aches at that piece of information. That, along with what Gene had said about how you've been through a lot has Din wondering what else has happened to you in the past.
"What can we do?" he asks, looking over to where you are. Gene shakes his head. "She won't speak about it until she's ready. Trust me, I've tried to get her to open up. All you can do is be there for her." Din exhales, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He feels utterly useless and he hates it. "Thank you," Gene then says out of nowhere. "For what?" Din queries. "For standing up to Cole for her. I never liked the little shit stain," Gene spits the last two words. "I only tolerated him for her sake." He claps Din on the shoulder pauldron. "I'm glad you were there to have her back." "Me too," Din replies. He only wishes he's done more. Grogu's giggles catch his attention. You've scooped him up, resting him on one hip while making your way over to the men. "Play time's over, I'm afraid," you coo, setting Grogu down on the ramp next to Gene. "I have to go and get ready for work."
Grogu's ears sag, his tiny bottom lip curling in a pout. "Aww, If I could stay with you, sweetie, I would," you pout back at him, your voice taking on a pleading tone. It only then occurred to Din that he hadn't asked you what you do for a living. Embarrassment washes over him. "What do you do?" he probes. "I bartend at the Whiskey Business. Got the late shift tonight." You pick up your backpack from where you'd left it by the ramp, slinging it over one shoulder. "How's the repairs coming along?" "Electricity's up and running, so that's a start," Gene answers. "Ah good," you smile and bend down to place a kiss on Grogu's head. "Be good." Straightening up, you smile at the men. "See ya'll later." "Wait..." Din calls out as you turn to walk away. "I'll come with you to the house. I need to collect my belongings since power's back on in the ship." He doesn't miss the disappointment flicker across your face before you school your expression into neutrality.
"You know, there's no need for you two to leave," you say with an indifference Din can see right through. "You're both welcome to stay with me as long as you'd like." You give Grogu a warm smile and when you lift your gaze to Din, he can see a tiny glimmer of hope in your eyes. Gene's advice echos in his mind: All you can do is be there for her. Grogu perks up at your offer, which draws a laugh from you, and for once, Din doesn't want to politely decline. He's going to be there for you; figuratively and physically for as long as he can. "If you're sure it's no trouble...?" "I'm sure," you reply quickly and it's the first genuine smile he's seen on you since this morning. Din can't hold back his own smile behind his helmet. "Then we accept. Thank you, Rae." Another smile and it's enough to ease the knot of anxiety that's been brewing in his gut since that horrid encounter this morning.
"Oh," you exclaim, swinging your head Gene's way. "Can you show Mando how to use all the appliances later? I don't finish work until midnight." "No problem, Rae," Gene assures you with a smile. "I'll leave the key under the doormat. Just let yourselves in when you're done here." You wink at Grogu. "You make sure these two stay out of trouble, okay?" "Patu," Grogu nods. "Will you be okay walking back?" Din asks, stepping closer to you. "I'll- be fine," you smile up at him, cheeks pinking. Did he just hear a stutter in your voice and did your pupils just expand? Before he can read any further into it, you turn and walk away. "See you boy's later?" you chirp, throwing a wave over your shoulder.
Din's eyes don't leave your form until you disappear from view. When he turns around, Gene is giving him a look that Din can't quite decipher. It looks like... suspicion with a hint of a smile. Din clears his throat. "She'll be okay," he states as if it was needed. Gene smiles a warm, knowing smile. "Yeah, I think she will be."
Series Masterlist Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch5 Ch6- coming soon
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